It's Called Pivoting

Today, I was supposed to leave for Bangladesh to embark on a truly beautiful project called "Miracle of Materials." (If don't already know about it, you can read about it here and here.)

Sadly, due to recent violence against foreigners and security alerts throughout the country, our Bangladeshi hosts have urged us not to come at this time. And after consulting with several expats (whom my Miracle of Materials partner Annika knows) as well as the US Embassy, we feel this is the best decision for now.

To say that Annika and are disappointed doesn't even begin to paint the picture. I was in full-steam-ahead mode when I got the call on Tuesday about the situation and it was another 24-hours before I could fully wrap my brain around what had just happened. But as my friend, Liz, likes to point out, the game isn't over...it's just time to pivot! Annika and I (and the rest of the group) are working hard to reschedule the trip before the end of the year and will keep you updated as things unfold.

If anything, this situation just underscores the purpose of our trip and our mission. A group of self-reliant, empowered people is the best foundation upon which a community can be built. A solid community foundation fuels a stronger, brighter future ~ and one that is equally accessible to all.

If you would like to read more about the recent happenings in Bangladesh here are a few links:

BBC Sept 28, 2015
Italian aid worker killed in Bangladesh 'by IS'

The Guardian Oct 1, 2015
Second foreigner killed in Bangladesh as ISIS claims responsibility

NY Times Oct 4, 2015
Bangladesh skeptical that ISIS was behind shootings of foreigners

US Embassy, Dhaka
https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=18298

Back to the Beginning

This is what it looks like to experiment with new materials for marbling. There are so many variables to deal with already with an established marbling practice...throw in something never done before and you're back to the very, very, very, very beginning. All new formulas, all new techniques, an entirely new way of looking at things. Right now, I have four tanks going with three different types of bath + five different paint formulas. I haven't worked this hard to figure things out in years!

In the foreground is a tank I build from a cardboard box and two trash bags duck-taped together. The tank is the same size that the women artisans use. I wanted to replicate surface space and surface tension as I experimented with paint formulas.

In Bangladesh, I have no idea what kind of materials I'll be working with...or what I'll have access to. It's part of the thrill and part of the anxiety. All I can hope for is that my years of marbling practice, years of paying attention, years of pushing through my own failed attempts, and the adventurous souls of the women artisans will get all of us where we need to be.

Thank you!

Nothing makes me happier than a REAL paper map, a guide book, and an electrical adapter for a country I've never been to before!

I can't even begin to express my sincere gratitude for everyone's enthusiasm and support for the Bangladesh adventure I'm about to embark upon. Even though I'll be with an amazing group of people (Annika of Di Milo Design and Bobby and Mycah of Redmond Digital Media), there are so many unknowns and variables involved in this trip for MY part of the program that it's making my head spin and my stomach fill with butterflies. I know everything will be fine and once I get there all my concerns will melt away ~ but right now I'm wrapping myself up in your kind words and earnest encouragement as I make my way through the process of figuring out how to make it all work out!

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
~ Helen Keller